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Robert R. McMath Papers, 1916-1962
10 linear feet
The Robert R. McMath papers consist primarily of correspondence concerning astronomy, particularly celestial photography, and the development of the McMath-Hulbert Observatory of the University of Michigan, financial records, plans for telescope equipment, and printed materials. Correspondents include some leading astronomers of the day but the bulk is with his collaborators in construction and operation of the Observatory and with the Heber D. Curtis, chair of the University of Michigan Astronomy Department and university president Alexander Ruthven. Writings include articles by McMath about the equipment and operation of the observatory and reports on specific astronomical observations made there. The papers have been arranged into the following series: Biographical; Correspondence; Miscellaneous; Organizational Affiliations; Writings; McMath-Hulbert Observatory, Lake Angelus; and Research and topical files.
Correspondence
The Correspondence series is organized annually, 1928-1962. The volume begins to increase about 1932, reaches a peak period from 1937 to 1942, and drops off significantly in the postwar years, particularly after 1950. Appended to this finding aid is an extensive index to McMath's correspondents. Most of his correspondents relates to astronomy, his observatory, and his interaction with the University of Michigan. What little McMath reveals of his views on politics and personal matters will probably be found in his correspondence with Julius F. Stone. Aside from his letters to his father, Francis McMath, and the other collaborator on the observatory, Judge Henry S. Hulbert, McMath's major correspondent is astronomy department chairman Heber D. Curtis.